My love of fast cars started when I was 18 years old when I dated an Italian guy who drove a Porsche 911 3.3L Turbo Cabriolet. It was bright apple green, had the distinctive 911 body shape, a tea-tray whale tail spoiler and the legendary Porsche roaring power. A seriously cool ride that could reach neck-snapping speeds for those not faint hearted. Later the Italian bought his first Ferrari 308 GTS. I have fleeting memories of being the passenger on many drives and on one memorable occasion he eluded traffic police. When I remember those crazy times, I often wonder how I'm still here!

Cliff to Coast is a specialist Sydney Porsche Hire Tour and Drive Day company. You can experience all the thrills of driving not only one, but up to four Porsches in one day. Their fleet consists of a variety of vehicles, a main focus on the Porsche 911 Carrera.

We were booked for the Half day lunch tour. We woke excited to see a perfect sunny day, no chance of rain - the ideal driving weather. On arrival at the Garage, Gavin Little greeted us. We went through the necessary paperwork, showing our driving licences, credit cards and signing the insurance agreement. The garage is located at the Southern tip of Sydney in Helensburgh, around 45 minutes from the city. Gavin planned his business location so your precious Porsche driving time isn't wasted in city traffic. Within three minutes, you can unleash the beasts onto the open roads of the Royal National Park.

Gavin explained that on our Half day Porsche tour, we would experience the bends of the Royal National Park, Bald Hill, the winding highway, mountain climbs and descents, stopping for lunch with ocean views - returning over the Grand Pacific Drive Sea Cliff Bridge.

Gavin walked through an overview of each vehicle and the expected driving experience. We were then given two-way radios so we could all communicate and follow Gavin's directions.

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We each chose our first Porsche, engines were started and the garage grunted with power. Motoring outside, we eagerly lined up in convoy form.

We were fortunate to start off with the black Porsche 996 series. A powerful 3.6L engine, 6-speed gearbox. You need to be experienced with manual driving. We were ready for a sticky grunty ride. My partner was suitably keen to drive this powerful car and I was relieved he was driving.

Within three minutes we reached the tree-lined roads of the Royal National Park. For me driving a Porsche would have to be compared to holding the reins on a wild tiger. It wants to go and it will go, reaching high speeds instantly. With the engine towards the rear, the vehicle propels with exuberant power - unlike a standard car that takes a while to get there in first gear. The steering in a Porsche is super responsive; at a slight turn, it obeys with enthusiasm. Basically, you become part of the car and to drive with precision, you must use all your faculties.

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We were fortunate to be at the tail end of the convoy of Porsches, enabling us to lag back and put the foot down, feeling the potential of this powerful Porsche. You don't need music, the sound of the engine coming from behind is music to your ears. The power is a total adrenaline rush. I admit to holding the seat a few times as my partner reached scintillating speeds.

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After around 15kms, we pulled over to the changeover area. Time to get out, stretch and move to the next vehicle. Gavin went over the specific details of each vehicle change.

Our next Porsche 911 is considered rare. It is one of only 14 in Australia. Old school Carrera, with full weight in the back, no traction control, basically no extra controls, loud and raw and full of attitude. A strong car to drive requiring full concentration - it might be considered by some as a fairly physical ride.

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It was exciting and rewarding to drive. The sun was beating down on our heads, a strong sea breeze streamed through our hair as the Porsche growled around the bends.

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Time had flown and we were already approaching our lunch stop at Bulli Lookout.

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All four Porsches were parked. Infectious smiles all round as we excitedly discussed the individual driving experiences.

It was time to get on with the drive and change to our next Porsche. The red Porsche 911 Carrera, a modern version of the traditional Porsche 911 hot rod. Serious power featuring a large 3.8 L engine, six-speed gearbox, rear wheel drive and modern glitzy interior.

We travelled through the curving roads of the bushland, past beaches approaching Seacliff Bridge. Gavin was leading the convoy in the blue 1978 Porsche 911. This car is left-hand drive and is used for track days at Wakefield Park. A light vehicle totally stripped, includes a roll cage, Recaro race seats and full harness. You need to do a touring day of the four Porsches before you can be invited to drive this Porsche at a track day.

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It was a beautiful scenic drive over the Seacliff Bridge. I found the silver Boxster so easy and light, a pure joy to drive. If I could afford a Porsche, I want this one.

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We arrived back at the garage on a high. I felt very lucky to have driven a Porsche. I could see this experience is the perfect gift for anyone who might enjoy driving a luxury car. No hassle, you can just turn up, hop in a Porsche without the worry that comes with maintaining and insuring such a car yourself.

The Half Day Porsche Lunch Tour details:

We were lucky to drive four Porsches, normally you drive three on the Half Day Tour. You will cover a 120-kilometre tour over winding roads before descending into roads weaving through a canopy of trees along the Royal National Park, moving onwards past the clifftop at Otford following an open stretch across the top of the escarpment. Lunch is included at The Cliffhanger Cafe overlooking the ocean. After lunch, you continue along Grand Pacific Drive through oceanside villages continuing over the Sea Cliff Bridge returning to base.

Half Day Tours depart at 10:45 am and are complete by approximately 2.15 - 3 pm. The Porsche experiences are shared - the price includes driving the Porsches, communication equipment, lunch for two, insurance and fuel.

Price:One Driver & One Passenger - $495
Two Drivers - $550

Check out this short video to give you a broader overview of the day.

Full Day tours consist of covering 240kms, driving four different Porsches, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea for two. The 240km route includes the Royal National Park which the half day tour covers but in the full day they add a climb of Macquarie Pass and backroad touring to the Southern Highlands historic village of Burrawang. Stopping off for lunch then driving through the countryside roads of Wildes Meadow and along the cliffs edge south to Jamberoo Pass. Return journey via Jamberoo Valley, the Grand Pacific Drive and over the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge.

Price:One Driver & One Passenger - $869
Two Drivers - $968

I had never thought of doing a luxury car driving tour before today and found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable and exciting day. This is the perfect gift for family and friends, also for corporate events and employee rewards. Gavin will even organise Bespoke driving tour to suit your requirements.

For readers of this article, if you mention Weekend Notes, Gavin will offer you a $20 discount from the Full and Half day Tours. This offer also includes a complimentary glass of wine/champagne for the partner during lunch on the day. The driver on the day would also be welcome to a beer/wine/champagne on arrival back at the base.

You can book for this special discount by phone mentioning Weekend Notes. Ph: 1300991181 This offer is valid for 30 days from the date the article is published.